Diabetes and depression: does worsening control of diabetes lead to poorer depression outcomes?. Issue 1 (24th August 2015) - Angstman, Kurt
Abstract: Rationale, aims and objectives: The relationship between diabetes and depression is complex. The aim of this study was to study the impact of diabetic control in depressed primary care patients with diabetes on clinical remission of their depression at 6 months. Methods: This study was a retrospective chart review analysis of 145 adult patients diagnosed with either major depressive disorder or dysthymia and had a score of 10 or greater on the PHQ‐9. The dependent variable for this study was depression remission at 6 months. The independent variables for this study were age, gender, marital status, race, BMI and HbA1c level within 2 months prior to the time of depression diagnosis. Results: Multiple logistic regression modelling demonstrated that initial diabetic control or obesity were not independent predictors of depression remission at 6 months after index date. Also, the odds for the diabetes being in control (HbA1c <8.0%) after 6 months was only associated with being in control at baseline (OR 5.549, CI 2.364–13.024, P < 0.001). Conclusions: Baseline diabetic control does not appear to be an independent predictor for depression outcomes at 6 months. The best predictor of diabetic control after the diagnosis of depression was previous control of diabetes.